Plymouth Meeting, Pa. − October 28, 2026 − On Wednesday, October 28, State Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, Caucus Chair) welcomed more than 40 local heroes to her second annual First Responders Appreciation Day Breakfast at Central Montco Technical High School (CMTHS).
“All of us deserve to feel safe in our homes, at work and in our communities,” said Sen. Collett. “That sense of safety is only possible thanks to our dedicated first responders, from firefighters sacrificing time with their families to protect ours, to police officers building relationships with neighbors, and EMS professionals rushing to our side in a crisis. This breakfast is an opportunity to honor the people who put their lives on the line to keep us safe – and to renew our commitment to the public safety improvements our communities deserve.”
First responders representing over a dozen fire, police and EMS companies across Montgomery County attended the breakfast, with experience ranging from 3 to 55+ years of active service.
“Central Montco Technical High School is incredibly proud to have partnered with Senator Collett in honoring our First Responders,” said Craig Robinson, Director of CMTHS.“Partnering with Senator Collett to honor our local heroes is a privilege, and it provided our students with an invaluable, real-world opportunity to serve those who protect our community every day. This event allowed us to blend rigorous hands-on training with civic meaningfulness and community partnership.”
During the event, guests were welcomed by student ambassadors and enjoyed a hearty breakfast buffet prepared by CMTHS Culinary Arts students. Senator Maria Collett, Director Craig Robinson, and student firefighters shared remarks thanking the first responders for their tireless service to the Montgomery County community.
Collett’s Record on Public Safety Investments
Senator Collett has worked with state and municipal partners to secure millions of dollars in public safety grant funding, including but not limited to:
- $4.5M to rebuild the the Upper Dublin Township Building and Police Station.
- $4.1M for the Upper Moreland Township Police Station.
- $1.975M to rebuild the Harmonville Fire Company fire station in Plymouth Township.
- $1.8M for local fire and EMS through The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program (since 2023).
- $1.25M for the Hatfield Township Public Safety Facility.
Collett added: “Pennsylvania’s first responders deserve more than a simple ‘thanks.’ As elected officials, we must continue to put our money where our mouths are to build stronger, safer and healthier neighborhoods.”
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